Dishwasher - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Who really wants to clean the dishes by hand? A dishwasher provides a convenient and quick way to thoroughly clean all of your plates, cutlery, and mugs. With a dishwasher, there's no need to soak dishes in dirty water, or deal with scratched wine glasses.
However, choosing the right model of dishwasher can be a bit difficult. There are so many options! Don't worry, the team at Real Indian has created an informative buying guide to help you choose the right dishwasher for your kitchen. We go over the different types, capacities, and features to look for when shopping for a dishwasher, and provide helpful tips for getting the cleanest dishes in town.
At the top of this page, you can also find our top picks for the best dishwashers with a brief description of each model and its pros and cons. When you're ready to buy, be sure to check out our recommendations.
Dishwasher Choice Considerations
What should you look for when shopping for a new dishwasher? We have covered the main issues that should concern us below.
- Types of Dishwashers
There are a few types of dishwashers available, each responding to different needs.
Built-in Models are intended to be placed right under a counter, and offer standard capacity. Built-in dishwashers are typically located next to the kitchen sink for plumbing connections, and make it easy to rinse dishes before loading.
Countertop Models are more compact, and perfect for those who don't have space for a built-in. They are also less expensive than their integrated counterparts.
Countertop and Portable Models are great for those who move around a lot, or don't have the space for a traditional built-in.
- Capacity and Configuration
The necessary capacity will depend on the number of people fed daily. Most regular sized builds have room for up to 12 seats. Compact models have considerably less capacity, and are a good option for those who produce fewer dirty dishes. Families or avid home cooks will likely prefer the flexible capacity of a full-size dishwasher.
Examining the interior configuration of a dishwasher is also essential. Does the layout work for you? Most models come equipped with utensil caddies that fit into the lower or upper racks, but some units have a built-in door caddy to maximize dish space inside. Many models also have adjustable sections, with tines that fold down to accommodate oddly shaped dishes. The interior should make sense to you, each shelf should slide smoothly, and everything should be easy to reach.
- Energy Efficiency
If you're concerned about conserving energy and water, look for models with the Energy Star label. Their own best practices also help maximize appliance efficiency. Only run it when it is full and load it properly to avoid the need for a second wash cycle.
- Noise
Each unit produces some noise; that' is to be expected. You can find out the noise level of a dishwasher by checking the decibel level. A lower number means the appliance will produce less noise. A quieter unit can run through the night, without disturbing sleepers.
- Functions and Cycles
Most dishwashers come equipped with basic wash cycles, such as normal wash, quick clean, and a pots and pans setting to clean more difficult dishes. There is little variation between units in terms of wash cycle options, with most cycle sets simply having slightly different names. Some dishwashers, however, have automatic cleaning cycles that use sensors to detect the level of dirt and dust on the dishes and wash them accordingly. Many units also have a cleaning option for breakable items like wine glasses. Some units also have an eco-friendly wash cycle that uses less water.
If you often find yourself going long periods without turning on the dishwasher, it may be wise to choose a unit with a “Rinse” cycle. This helps prevent stuck-on food from getting stuck and being difficult to remove, even with the strongest wash cycle.
Get the most out of your Dishwasher
Worried that replacing your dishwasher won't fix problems you've had in the past, that dishes will come out dirty after one cycle and stick to food? It may not be your dishwasher. A few simple dishwasher hacks can help you get ultra-clean dishes.
Avoid loading your dishwasher without cleaning dishes that still have large chunks of food on them. Large, solid pieces of food can clog the dishwasher drain.
Cleaning large pieces of food also reduces the chance of permanent soiling.
Resist the urge to stick one more plate inside. An overloaded dishwasher won't clean either.
Clean your dishwasher! Yes, the dishwasher itself needs to be washed from time to time.
Not everything goes in the dishwasher. You can ruin delicate items that aren't dishwasher safe, or cause them to break inside the dishwasher.
Watch out. Make sure plastic items don't fall to the bottom of the dishwasher. If this happens, they are likely to melt and give off an unpleasant burning smell that will last all day.
Be careful to load your dishwasher so that no plates, utensils, or other cookware are blocking the moving parts.
Load the cups upside down, or you will have a cup full of (probably dirty) hot water at the end of the wash cycle
Keep breakables separate so they don't collide and break each other.